Japanese director Syoutarou Kobayasi, known for his distinctive Kansai comic sensibility, has released a new film exploring autism within Japanese society. Titled "Lives at Right Angles," the movie offers a nuanced portrayal of an autistic man and his relationship with his younger sister, set against the social challenges faced by people on the spectrum in Japan.

The film centers on Daiki, played by Shota Yasuda of the boy band Super Eight, who is nearly non-verbal and works as a cleaner in Osaka. Daiki’s daily routines, including walking in straight lines and turning at precise right angles, provide structure, and disruptions to this order cause him distress. His sister Nozomi, portrayed by the actress known as Non, supports him while pursuing a career as a counselor. The plot intensifies when Nozomi’s boyfriend proposes marriage and invites the siblings to visit his family in Tokyo, raising concerns about Daiki’s ability to cope with unfamiliar social environments.

Yasuda played a pivotal role in bringing the project to fruition, introducing the original script by Umi Yamano to producer Gen Sato, with whom he has collaborated extensively. Both Yasuda and Kobayasi undertook detailed research into autism, meeting with experts and individuals on the spectrum to inform their work. Kobayasi, however, chose to adjust the screenplay to portray Daiki as a more active, albeit ordinary, character, deliberately avoiding the trope of the autistic protagonist as a protege with exceptional talents, as seen in earlier films like "Rain Man."

Drawing from his own upbringing in Osaka and the influence of his father, a manzai comedian, Kobayasi infuses the film with elements of Kansai culture. He emphasizes the unique social dynamics of western Japan, highlighting a sense of closeness and ambiguity in personal boundaries that differ from Tokyo’s more reserved societal norms. This setting shapes the film’s atmosphere and informs the sibling bond at its core, which is depicted with both affection and complexity. Flashbacks reveal how their close relationship, forged under the strain of a fractured family, carries both support and tension.

The chemistry between Yasuda and Non contributes significantly to the film’s authenticity, with the director employing a “free range” directing style that balances providing structure with allowing actors creative freedom. Kobayasi’s approach draws inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock’s reportedly brusque yet effective treatment of actors, aligning with his belief that artists, like well-cared-for racehorses, must be guided without overly restricting their expression.

"Lives at Right Angles" reflects evolving perceptions of autism in Japan, moving away from sentimentalized portrayals that reduce characters to objects of pity or sources of inspiration solely because of rare talents. Kobayasi explicitly seeks to avoid what he calls “emotional porn” — stories engineered to evoke sympathy without genuine understanding — and instead aims to present a balanced, empathetic depiction of life on the spectrum.

While acknowledging that there is still progress to be made in how autism is represented in Japanese media, Kobayasi’s film stands as a notable effort to deepen public awareness. By combining realism with the warmth and humor characteristic of Kansai culture, "Lives at Right Angles" offers a thoughtful perspective on the challenges and bonds experienced by autistic individuals and their families in contemporary Japan.